Islamabad
Inspire Pakistan takes pride in serving refugees by empowering their youth by protecting their right to education and also through provision of protection services in partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan.
This helps in the progress and development for the welfare of Afghan Refugees during their temporary stay in Pakistan. Inspire Pakistan through support of UNHCR, established Urban Cohesion Hub at Rawalpindi where need-based services are provided to Afghan refugees and host communities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to benefit from integrated services in health, education, vocational skills, legal support, protection and recreational activities for social cohesion.
Third Graduation ceremony embedded with “16 days of activism” for the year 2022 was held where Afghan and host students were advised to support all types of global campaigns for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and to end violence against women and girls. Later on students were given certificates on completion of different courses including Computer, English language, Beautician, Tailoring and Culinary Arts.
UNHCR and GIZ-RMSP participated along with the Afghan refugee as well as host community providing an example of social cohesion. Ms. Nikola Errington, Senior Protection Officer, UNHCR was the chief guest whereas guest of honour was Mr. Khursheed Ahmed, Technical Advisor, Urban Projects, Refugee Management Support Programme (RMSP), GIZ. Graduates in their speeches thanked the UNHCR and Inspire Pakistan for providing support and expressed their gratitude to the teachers for providing illuminating knowledge for their bright future.
Ms. Nikola Errington in her speech at the occasion especially focused on the students and urged them to stand united against violence against women. She further said that 16 Days of activism is an opportunity to unite with partners around the world and reflect on what we can each do in our own communities to eliminate the disproportionate violence faced by women and girls.
She also guided students towards the right direction and path to walk ahead and to continue and pursue their dreams without compromising on small issues and hardships. Mr. Khursheed Ahmed praised the hard work of graduates and gave them recognition for a job well done. He praised the teachers for motivating students throughout the course period. On this occasion, Mr. Qaiser M. Siddiqui, Co-founder and CEO Inspire Pakistan, while speaking to the audience, encouraged graduates to boldly pursue their passions constantly.
He stated that violence anywhere is a threat to peace and security everywhere. Mr. Siddiqui further added that domestic violence against women is a big problem for Pakistani women and girls and we need to raise a women and educate the masses on the same. He pledged that Inspire Pakistan, as a human rights based organisation, shall confine to raise voice against such violence within the country.
